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The Steve Allen Show

American television show

Quick Summary

The Steve Allen Show was an American television program hosted by Steve Allen, a pioneer in television entertainment. Allen is perhaps best known for creating and hosting what became The Tonight Show, which established the standard for TV talk shows.1

The Steve Allen Show first aired on CBS from 1950 to 1952. Allen later hosted a local late-night show in New York, which was broadcast nationally by NBC in 1954 and renamed Tonight! (later The Tonight Show). Allen is credited with introducing many talk show staples, including the opening monologue, comedy sketches, and casual banter with guests. He also hosted a Sunday night version of The Steve Allen Show on NBC from 1956 to 1961, which featured a regular cast of comedians. Allen's other notable work includes the PBS series Meeting of Minds.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Steve Allen
  2. Fred Allen

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